20 August 2012 - Tracy Bonham - Sharks Can't Sleep

Let's be honest.  In the late 90's, there were a lot of female singer-songwriters.  Lots of them only had one hit.

This wasn't Tracy Bonham's hit.  That song was the darkly creative and sparse "Mother Mother".  This was the third single from the same album - equally sparse, more darkly creative, and showing a boatload of promise.  The song failed to chart in the United States, and so, for most artists, that would be the end of the story, and they'd move on to teaching music at a local community college...



It's not the way it went for Tracy.  She teaches young rock bands in Brooklyn - check out her web site at http://gowanusmusicclub.com/ - and continues to tour (albeit not extensively) and record.   Promise fulfilled.

17 August 2012 - Alabama - Song of the South

I was never a big fan of Alabama.  However, this song just resonated with me.  The song starts off sad and heavy, and gets more upbeat and hopeful as it chugs along.  And isn't that what country music is all about?

 

16 August 2012 - Megadeth - Peace Sells

I just had to bring back Hair Metal Thursdays if only for this week. Sure Megadeth isn't hair metal, but does that really matter?

So Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's singer, leader, guitarist and chronic rehabber (read his autobiography) has certainly been making headlines lately. And while I refuse to talk politics (his, mine or anyone else's), I do enjoy celebrating crazy talk. So Dave, I salute you for not only bringing the rock, but for also bringing the crazy.

14 August 2012 - Ellie Goulding - Lights

Today was looking like one of those desperate days where I had no clue as to what video to post. But then this pop gem lit my ears up while on my morning bike ride (couldn't come at a better time too as I was on mile 16...which is the last uphill climb on my daily ride).

Frankly, I was kind of surprised that neither Tony nor I have posted this video yet. Seems to be right up both of our pop wheelhouses, but my "records" show that we have both neglected this fine English pop singer...until today.

From what I've recently read Ellie will release her second album in October -- in the UK -- which means it'll be released in the States in about two years (I exaggerate, but it always seems to take forever). For now, check out this video from her debut record.

13 August 2012 - Duran Duran - Rio

The 2012 Olympic Games ended yesterday in London.  The 2016 Olympic Games are going to be in Rio de Janeiro.  Because of this, this was the song and British band that everyone wanted to hear and thought for sure would hear.  Expect it's about a woman who dances on the sand, and not about the city.  So, go figure.

Duran Duran WERE part of the Opening Ceremonies, in an official concert at the same time as what you saw on TV.  Guess what they played there?  They are a great band for playing their hits, because they feel like they owe it to their fans.

9 August 2012 - Erasure - Oh L'Amour

Seeing that I posted THIS Erasure song yesterday at Totally Covered, I figured I'd post one of their own songs for 80s Thursday. It's the right thing to do. I also thought I'd keep it short today so you can check out Tony's epic 3-part post at Totally Covered.

8 August 2012 - Karmin - Brokenhearted / Hello

When I first heard this song, I thought it was Nicki Minaj.  I was so wrong.

Karmin are a new group - a duo, actually.  Their songs are in the dance-rock genre, and Amy Heidemann's voice navigates the poppy, rocky, and hip-hoppy nuances of this song perfectly.  A top 20 hit in the US earlier this year, it is their biggest hit to date.



They now have a 2nd single climbing the charts.  Again, you can see and hear the Nicki Minaj influence, but this even gets a little hip hoppier than she does! Another aspect of this group that helps, especially in video, is the fact that the group is actually an engaged couple. You can see their chemistry in this video.


Those of you who read both of our blogs will be getting an extra special Karmin treat tomorrow. Before they were big hitmakers, they were best known for their covers.

Update: They made the cover of the Rolling Stone!!! Congratulations to them!

Also, you should check out our three-part covers series over on the other blog, Totally Covered:  Parts 1, 2, and 3 are all there, and now I think I need to do a special Part 4.